Waukee High School Receives NATA Safe Sports School Award

Waukee High School received The National Athletic Trainers’ Association (NATA) Safe Sports School award for their commitment to creating a safe and healthy environment for student athletes. The award recognizes secondary schools taking the necessary precautions to avoid injury in youth athletics.

“We are proud to receive this recognition from NATA, and we remain committed to keeping our student athletes safe during physical education classes, team practices and games, so they can accomplish their own goals of great competition, winning records, fair sportsmanship and good health,” said Jim Duea, Waukee activities director.

As first year recipients, Waukee High School will receive a banner and certificate honoring their achievement as well as digital artwork with NATA’s logo that can be duplicated and used for promotion of Waukee High School’s athletic department. The title of a Safe Sports School is significant for a three year period before a school needs to renew their status.

NATA recognizes schools who especially concentrate on the health of their athletes by providing the correct resources. For a school to receive the award, their athletic department must fulfill a specific list of requirements such as the possession of a positive healthcare administrative system, completion and practice of an Emergency Action Plan and the provision of pre-participation examinations.

“This award recognizes the contributions and commitment of schools across the country that are implementing safe sports policies and best practices to ensure athletes can do what they love best and have the appropriate care in place to prevent, manage and treat injuries should they occur,” said Scott Sailor, president of NATA.

NATA is an organization made up of health care professionals that focus on the importance of the health, wellbeing and happiness of youth athletes. While they highly encourage youth’s involvement in sports and promote the health benefits of participation in physical activity, they are very aware of the repercussions of such activities. As an organization, they emphasize the importance of taking the right steps to prevent injury and ensure that all students are safe and are practicing healthy habits. The organization as a whole is made up of more than 44,000 members of athletic training.